Wine World and Sun Dog Books

There are two lovely little ocean side towns not far from Miramar Beach and Destin that my family and I must make a pilgrimage to each year when we visit Florida. The first is Watercolor which has our favorite wine store and restaurant called Wine World.

The first year we visited Ron recommended to me the secrets and wonders of a visit to Wine World. While Mary Jane chose to shop at the wonderful little speciality shops surrounding Wine World…Ron and I proceeded in our quest in immersing ourselves in deep philosophical discussions and the subsequent unlocking and solving of life’s sundry mysteries.

When Mary Jane checked on us to ensure that we were not becoming bored with our revelries we graciously assured her that we would be fine…and ordered another bottle of wine.

I recall many of the thoughts that I had that afternoon. Thoughts of how wonderful it felt to be newly retired and able to spend quality time…in such a beautiful place…with a good friend. Thoughts of the future and how to best utilize the precious gift of life that God had given me and my loved ones…and not to take it for granted. Thoughts of how large our world is and how much there is to see…know…and experience…in such a short time.

Or, my first visit to Sun Dog Books in an adjoining Gulf community, Seaside. This is a lovely bookstore in the grand tradition of “The Shop Around The Corner” and “You’ve Got Mail.” This a bookstore where the books are important…loved…and admired by the people who work there. Have you ever encountered an employee of a store that not only was having a wonderful time helping you…but also had an ownership in the books that they told you about that gave them a tangible, physical, reality? When a book lover is explaining the beauty and wonder and mystery of a book they have read and loved…you find yourself being transported to another world and reality.

Life is so much larger than the petty squabbles…lies…and innuendos of politics. Or, as the great James Taylor told us, “The secret of life is enjoying the passing of time…”

” And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye become converted and become as little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 8:13 KJV